Description
This Garlic Shrimp Pasta Bake is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish featuring tender shrimp and pasta baked to golden perfection. With a rich garlic-infused cheese sauce, it’s an easy-to-make comfort meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 pound pasta (any type)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and sauté until pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, creating the flavor base for the sauce.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid lumps.
- Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Shrimp: Add the cooked pasta and shrimp into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the combined pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and heated through, developing a light golden top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot, enjoying the creamy garlic shrimp pasta bake at its best.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley or red pepper flakes on top before serving.
- If you want a crispier top, add a light layer of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese before baking.
- Ensure shrimp is not overcooked to maintain tenderness and juiciness.
- Milk can be substituted with half-and-half for a richer sauce.
